Obesity has increased among all populations in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,1997), with more dramatic increases among African Americans. Inverse associations between income and education and obesity among European Americans do not hold true for African Americans (Troiano,1998), suggesting that there are strong cultural and genetic influences on the prevalence of obesity among African American populations. This session will discuss the epidemiology of obesity and the significance of this problem among African American children and adolescents. Data describing the differences between African Americans and Europeans with respect to obesity and its associated conditions will be presented, along with support for targeting and tailoring interventions for African Americans. The presenters will also identify some of the cultural factors that influence dietary and exercise behaviors believed to maintain excess weight among African Americans. Finally, this session will present an overview of the Go Girls II project, an ongoing clinical trial to develop and evaluate a community-based and culturally-tailored intervention program for overweight African American adolescent girls. Target behaviors for this intervention include: increased fruit and vegetable intake; decreased fat and fast food intake; and increased physical activity. Measures of BMI, blood pressure, blood lipids, serum insulin, cardiovascular fitness, diet, physical activity (14-day recall), and cognitive measures (e.g., attitudes, efficacy) are collected. Pilot data from this intervention will be presented.
Learning Objectives: At the completion of this presentation, attendees will be able to: 1. Describe obesity including its prevalence and behavioral risk factors. 2. Articulate the differences in prevalence and etiologic factors of obesity between African Americans and European Americans. 3. Identify cultural factors that influence the development of excess weight among African Americans. 4. Describe the Go Girls II intervention for overweight African American adolescent girls.
Keywords: , Obesity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.